Phyto, Endo & Synthetic Cannabinoids

Phyto derived from Greek, meaning plant, are cannabinoids found naturally occurring in plants such as cannabis and even hops, black peppercorns and echinacea. Some of these phytocannabinoids are know as CBD, CBN, CBG, THC, beta caryophyllene which is more commonly know as a terpene but is both a terpene and phyto cannabinoid. Cannabis use has been documented dating back over ten thousand years ago.

Endo referencing endogenous or produced within the body. Endocannabinoids were first discovered in the 1990 's. Anandamide, derived from Sanskrit meaning bliss, was first isolated form a pig brain. Anandamide mimics the phytocannabinoid THC, hence the term bliss, as it can have effect on one's brain reward circuitry which is why cannabis has such a strong infinity to help cure addiction of harmful drugs. In 1995, a second endocannabinoid was identified, 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol) which is involved in patho-physiological functions such as energy, cognition, balance, pain sensation and more.

Synthetic (Synthesized) or Neo cannabinoids are designed to mimic naturally occurring cannabinoids but are not usually derived naturally from plant material without the addition of a process called isomerization. They are created in laboratories and their legality varies greatly from location to location. The synthetic cannabinoid Nabilone (Cesamet) which mimics THC, is a controlled, legally prescribed in the USA, antinausea / antiemetic treatment for those suffering from the side effects associated with treatments of severe diseases such as chemo therapy for cancer patients.